Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's evasive manuever to take off with insufficient runway available for attaining takeoff airspeed. Factors which contributed to the accident were: the unauthorized use of the airplane, the pilot's anxiety, and the dark night.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
A student pilot took a passenger for a one-hour unauthorized low level flight in the vicinity to their home town. Witnesses reported observing the aircraft ' buzzing muskogee at tree top level for over 30 minutes.' law enforcement personnel were alerted. Upon return to the airport the pilot elected to evade law enforcement officers by initiating a takeoff near the departure end of runway 35. The airplane was observed in a nose high attitude and subsequently stalling while attempting to become airborne prior to the airport perimeter fence on the north end of the airport.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 27, 1995, at 2200 central daylight time, a Cessna 150H, N22637, was substantially damaged during takeoff near Muskogee, Oklahoma. The student pilot and one passenger sustained minor injuries. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight for which a flight plan was not filed. Witnesses reported observing the aircraft "buzzing Muskogee at tree top level for over 30 minutes." According to the owner/operator, the student pilot was "not authorized to use the aircraft" and the local authorities were alerted. Once the pilot returned to the Hatbox Field, in Muscogee, Oklahoma, for landing, he was approached by police officers. The student pilot elected to evade the law enforcement officers and initiated a takeoff roll from its position near the departure end of runway 35. The airplane was observed in "a pronounced nose high attitude, and subsequently stalling" while attempting to become airborne prior to the airport perimeter fence on the north end of the airport. The airplane came to rest on its nose. The student pilot and his female passenger were taken under custody and taken to the local hospital for treatment. Post accident examination of the aircraft revealed structural damage to the wings and fuselage. Repeated attempts to obtain a completed Pilot/Operator Report from the operator were unsuccessful. -